Why Denzel Washington skipped Cannes Film Festival event after heated confrontation with photographer

Denzel Washington revealed the real reason he skipped a Cannes Film Festival event after he got into a heated confrontation with a photographer.

A representative for the actor told the Daily Mail that he was “always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday” and hadn’t planned on attending the press conference for his new movie,

“Highest 2 Low.”

Monday was Washington’s only day off from “Othello,” the Broadway production he stars alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

It was previously reported that the Cannes festival organizers reshuffled their lineup to ensure the two-time Oscar winner could be honored with an honorary Palme d’Or, the highest prize

awarded to the director of the best feature film at the Cannes Film Festival.

“The studio and festival were aware weeks ago, ahead of time, that he would not be available for the press conference today due to his work commitment on the play,” his rep told the outlet.

On Monday, the 70-year-old made headlines when a video emerged of him confronting a handsy photographer on the Cannes red carpet.

During the incident, the “Training Day” actor walked up to the lensman before pointing at and chastising him.

The photog smiled, laughed and then grabbed Washington’s arm, which caused the situation to escalate.

“Stop it, stop it, stop it,” the iconic movie star repeated as he swiped his hand away and walked away.

Lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the Daily Mail that Washington warned the photographer not to physically touch him.

Freeman claimed that the paparazzo responded to the dad of four’s pleas with dismissal, telling him, “Not allowed,” before giving him a devilish grin.

The following day, Washington was noticeably absent from the “Highest 2 Lowest” press conference.

However, the film’s director, Spike Lee, subtly reacted to the tense confrontation, saying that he wouldn’t be “apologizing today for a f–k up.”